Ground Neutral and Hot Wires Explained

What is the primary function of the neutral wire in a simple electrical circuit?

• Carries electricity from the power supply to the load

• Carries used electricity back to the power supply

• Carries electricity only in the event of a fault

• Does not carry electricity under normal conditions

How does electricity behave in a circuit with alternating current (AC)?

• Flows in one direction like water in a river

• Alternates direction like the tide of the sea

• Does not flow unless stimulated

• Flows directly from the source to the ground

What happens when you connect a multimeter between a hot and a neutral wire in a split phase supply?

• Shows variable voltage

• Shows 240V

• Shows 120V

• Shows 0V

What voltage is typically measured between two hot wires in a North American home?

• 120V

• 240V

• 60V

• 360V

What is the purpose of a ground wire in residential electrical systems?

• To carry electricity to the appliances

• To act as a safety path in case of electrical faults

• To return unused electricity to the transformer

• To increase the electrical resistance in the circuit

What is the result of a ground fault in a home's electrical system?

• The hot wire redirects the current to the ground rod

• The ground wire carries the fault current to trip the breaker

• The neutral wire carries all the fault current

• The circuit continues to operate without interruption

What occurs when the hot wire touches the metal casing of an appliance?

• The voltage in the circuit increases

• The appliance operates normally

• The circuit breaker trips due to increased current

• The neutral wire carries the extra current

What is the primary reason for connecting appliances to the ground wire?

• To improve appliance efficiency

• To prevent electrical shocks in case of insulation failure

• To increase the power supply to appliances

• To monitor the electricity usage

What does GFCI stand for and what is its primary function?

• Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter, to cut power in case of unequal currents

• General Fault Current Isolator, to isolate faults

• Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter, to prevent electrical fires

• Ground Fault Circuit Indicator, to indicate faults

Why is a ground rod necessary in residential electrical systems?

• To carry electricity to the home

• To dissipate static and external high voltages

• To increase the voltage supply

• To replace the neutral wire